Home Gym Suggestions?

[JasonRR]

I was thinking of buying a real simple bench & bar to put in my spare bedroom to use occasionally. Right now, I'm just doing push-ups and using a resistance band, and while I've been quite happy with the results so far, I find that I like using the equipment in hotel gyms and am thinking of getting something for my home.

In searching CL, I see a number of Bowflex products, ranging from $150-$300, roughly. What do you guys think? Are these good, quality pieces of equipment that are worth the money? Or am I better off just buying a more traditional bench and weights? I won't have anyone spotting me, so I'm kinda thinking that a bowflex might allow me to push harder, safer.

I'm pretty new to working out, and am just looking for any guidance those with more experience might be able to provide.

Thanks.

[turboskull1]

A power rack and a utility bench will give you the ability to work out all of your heavy compound lifts without the need for a spot. You will also need to have a decent variety of free plates and a bar. You can't go wrong with this set up if you make it a point to learn to lift regularly and properly.

[kingjason]

Go get a really good book that breaks down all the body parts and shows you basic lifts and read that first. I worked out for years on my back porch with free weights and no problems. You just gotta learn a little balance and dont use the clamps that hold the weights on. If you are benching to much and get in too deep you just dump them off each side. If you got the room get one of the square bech set ups with a squat rack, legs, etc etc. I had a northern lights and it was great. Also I like the multi weight dumbbellls that you can just click to the next level of weight. I had racks of dumbbells and man that takes up some space. Dont get into the mind set of just lifting either ( I did for a couple of years). You need plenty of cardio also. A good elliptical and spin bike should break it up enough. Just depends on your space and funding I guess. I sold all mine in my divorce years ago for next to nothing and miss it but have no space now. The good thing about the gym is it is kind of motivating and you see people doing stuff you havent really thought of. I just hate driving 30 minutes to get there. You will burn out on bowflex pretty fast.

[JasonRR]

I'd been using an eliptical in my bedroom for about a year, and have now been running 1.5-2.0 miles for the past 3 months now. I feel like I've got solutions for my cardio, but have been just doing push-ups (100/day) and using the resistance band for weights. I'd like to kinda take that to the next level, while maintaining & increasing my cardio.

So I'm just wondering what's the best way to spend my money on something for my home. I was thinking that a basic weight bench/bar and some weights would be best, and it seems like that's what you guys are advocating. I like the idea of not using the clamps...I never thought of that. If I'm lifting properly, it shouldn't be an issue anyways.

I was just searching CL for a bench/bar/weights and saw a bunch of the Bowflex products out there, and was wondering if I should go that route instead.

Appreciate the advice.

[JC316]

I had a bowflex and it's ok, but it doesn't compare to free weights. I could easily max out the 210lbs of resistance on mine. Sold it because pushups worked me harder.

[exlude]

Stay away from bowflex. You don't get consistent resistance through the entire range of motion. It's also difficult/awkward to do some of the good compound lifts. I've worked out on them before and hated them.

[kingjason]

Buy you some of these to go with whatever free weight system you get if you are strapped for space. I would love to have the bigger ones but they get pricey.

http://www.sportchalet.com/product/302098_3045526.do?kwid=powerblock+classic+50+set&gclid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportchalet.com%2Fproduct%2F302098_3045526.do

I had this set up with a preacher curl attachment, leg attachment and lat pull down for the back of it. Almost everything you could want in a small package. Buy you a couple of olympic sets and racks to go with it and a boom. They make good stuff too, you dont want some of the junk out there, it will shake rattle and roll.

http://www.nlfit.com/product.asp?category_name=smith_machines&product_id=141&sub=overview

I sold it all for 150 after my divorce 8 years ago. Whats sad is I tried to give it to the fire department and they never came and got it, then it took forever to sell it on craigslist.

[jdgregory84]

Total Gym. The total gym is actually fun to workout on.

[Shorty]

A power rack and a utility bench will give you the ability to work out all of your heavy compound lifts without the need for a spot. You will also need to have a decent variety of free plates and a bar. You can't go wrong with this set up if you make it a point to learn to lift regularly and properly.

This. Power rack. Adjustable bench. Barbell. Adjustable Dumbbell handles. A shitload of weight. Simple as that.

[JasonRR]

Thanks guys...I appreciate the advice. I'm going to see what I can find on CL, although with NY's resolutions just around the corner, it may be harder to find something. I'll keep looking though, and I'm sure I'll find something.

[VaderTT]

This is what my gym at home is made up of, now I just need the motivation to get serious.
BTW, this saved me a fair amount of $$$ over a new machine (not used, used my be had for cheap)and I can do all my work outs.

Select tech dumbells, weighted vest, pull up bar, dip station, small bench/bar/weights and resistance bands.

I find this setup works better for me as I can do all my work outs and most store in a closet.

[03trubluGT]

I must be in the minority here. I think the Bowflex is a decent piece of equipment considering the price, size, and option of staying home.

[jdgregory84]

I must be in the minority here. I think the Bowflex is a decent piece of equipment considering the price, size, and option of staying home.

If you wanna think that you can bench press 500lbs, its a great piece of equipment.

[exlude]

Max out a bowflex and your good for a solid 185 bench.

[pr1042]

What's your budget? I know someone who makes pretty much anything you could find on www.elitefts.com but comes in under their prices